Member Since: 06 Feb 2024
Location: gloucestershire
Posts: 10
The thing that puts me off the 3.0 d4 (2.7 seem super rare and low spec / manual) is if that engine goes you're in for a lot more than the 2.7 right?
I also prefer the exterior/interior of the d3 but that's just a matter of taste.
24th Feb 2024 8:52 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8109
If you buy right you will not need a repair pot only a running cost pot It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
24th Feb 2024 9:35 am
rssfrncs
Member Since: 06 Feb 2024
Location: gloucestershire
Posts: 10
Haha i wish that was true but from all i've read (too much!) one could take great care of their d3/4 and still be unlucky.
24th Feb 2024 10:02 am
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4146
Same applies for any car!I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
24th Feb 2024 10:28 am
rssfrncs
Member Since: 06 Feb 2024
Location: gloucestershire
Posts: 10
That's true i suppose... maybe i should spend some time lurking in the xc90 and landcruiser forums and see if i feel the same way about them
24th Feb 2024 10:48 am
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4658
In my opinion preventative maintenance is the key to ownership with the D3, especially now as the last units produced are now getting on for 15 years old. If you have a pot of 6k then you're in a good starting place to do the things that have been neglected. Realistically, I have always held that if you budget for 1-2k per year for the first 2-3 years you should get to the point where there is little needed for the next 2-3 years other than regular servicing.
Go for an auto transmission as it's more driver friendly, and have all vehicle fluids and filters changed immediately after purchase, along with any critical items that's due such as timing belts and hand brake shoes etc.
If you can't do the work yourself you'll need a good LR independent who knows these cars inside out. Recommendations from other owners will help you choose, and there's some very competent repairers to be found on this forum. Stay away from main dealers.
This is important so don't overlook it, otherwise you'll run the risk of frequent costly garage visits while they use you car as a learning tool!! The other thing I would say to you now is that if you decide to "jump in" and you buy a car you like which goes wrong. Stay in, especially if you have shelled out on it and use your budget to put it right.
It will come right if you have the right garage, but remember too the automotive God's will always have the last word. Good luck yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
I would go for the 8 speed auto, but this is a matter of personal choice.
NJSS
24th Feb 2024 1:22 pm
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2815
I always feel the D4 is a D3 with some faults fixed but new and expensive ones added.
The crankshaft is a worry.
The inlet manifolds failing is imho a stupid design flaw and at £1300 for them to be “fixed” is a sore one as you are just replacing a part that’s failed, with the same part that’s going to fail again.
24th Feb 2024 6:09 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8109
I had a Mercedes 270 inlet manifold fail at 60k miles under 3 years old, this was 19 years ago and Mercedes would not replace under warranty, it cost me £950 to repair, that was the final straw and the end of my love life with Mercedes and a return to LR.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
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Good luck 
